Artist profile
Derek
Schneider
Derek Schneider has felt the urge to capture and create ever since grasping his first crayon. The process of creating is one of constant learning, with each piece often becoming a launching pad for the next inspiration. After graduating from Graphic Design at RMIT, Derek counts himself among the fortunate few who have spent their working life as an Art Director/Creative Director, doing what they love.
Career Highlights
- Sell out at Camberwell Art show 2019
- Featured artist in "The 10 Best of the Best" Camberwell Art Show
- Many years of award winning advertising campaigns for global and national clients
Artist Interview
What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?
Oil paints are the preferred medium. The colour, the ability to work them, the versatility…but primarily the colour. Acrylics serve their purpose, very different to oils they often suit my more graphic paintings where i rely on harder edges. I enjoy painting light, without it there would be no form, no colour, no mood. The chosen medium is based on the effect i'm looking to create. With oils, the workability, the bolder colour combined with my approach often translates to more energetic, livelier outcomes.
How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?
I invariably gravitate to ocean and beach life in Summer and the Aussie Alps in Winter… It can be as basic as the temperature, the light, the activity and the overall mood in the air. I'm a keen observer of people in their environment and enjoy the interaction we have with what is around us. I am a visual person so have always been able to retain observations, however i do take plenty of photos and research specifics to remain true to the human figure. We live by the coast and when possible head to the alps so fusing these surroundings with the mood of the participants lies at the heart of much of my work.
Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?
Back in 2017 I had the opportunity to join a large communal studio in Richmond and totally enjoyed the interaction with other artists, all working in their own spaces. I learnt a great deal about my own art from them, what i was doing and why i was doing it. In 2022 we moved to Mount Eliza, and to our delight the new home came with a dedicated studio. The previous owner was a well known and established potter so we immediately knew this was for us. My wife is also a painter (hopschneider.art) we met back at College and with a studio big enough for two we now spend more time here than in the house.
Surrounded by bushland and with 2 large doorways and huge windows it houses all our inspiration, 5 easels and a ludicrous amount of paint… and art materials, its the best. Had we been asked to design our own studio from scratch we could not have done better. Apart from that we both also enjoy painting plein air, i love my sketchbooks and rarely travel anywhere without one. Nature and life is the biggest studio after all .
